Written by Geoginah W. Jacobs Published by Boardroom News, boardroom.vip
Nigeria, South Africa as prominent nations in Africa, it is a common knowledge that both have abundance of natural resources that are unrivalled. Together they hold great economic and political influence on the continent. Yet despite these advantages, they continue to grapple with deeply ingrained socio-economic issues. These struggles have created widespread poverty, and inequality brewing conflict that adversely affects those in the diaspora.
In this article, I pay particular attention to the increasing tensions between the South African and Nigerian people. Most of us have unfortunately witnessed the vitriol exchanged concerning the Miss South Africa pageant. One only has to peruse online platforms to find evidence of the prevailing unhealthy climate among the citizens of these great nations. The frustration, and fight for resources are palpable, resulting in any excuse being used to channel intolerance, hindering peaceful coexistence among Africans.
It gives one pause to consider why those in leadership continue to remain silent in the face of such division. Who could benefit from propagating an agenda of intolerance and xenophobia amongst these two nations?
On a quest to answer this question perhaps we can start reflecting on some of the glaring similarities in the struggles between Nigeria and South Africa.
Firstly, the aforementioned high levels of inequality within their borders are preposterous in countries that should be prospering and leading globally. The ramifications of apartheid are still acutely evident in the South African landscape with only a few benefitting from the vast wealth the country has to offer leaving the majority of the population, its black people, squabbling over grossly limited resources.
Similarly, in Nigeria, the rich continue to enjoy increasing wealth while the poor continue to fall deeper into poverty in the absence of the middle class. One only has to think back to the demonstrations of outrage across the Nation over the rampant rise in inflation, spiraling food, and medicine costs in 2023. Adding to that, the removal of the fuel subsidy with the coming into office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, triggered the continuous rise in the cost of living.
Our leaders do not seem capable of finding their way out of the spiral into corruption and bad governance. Nigeria, in particular, as the older of the two democracies continues to deal with public officials enriching themselves at the expense of the country’s development and the welfare of her citizens. The latest poignant example in a litany of obscene travesties is reflected in the seeming inability of heads of state to separate their interests from state-owned resources. To be more specific, reports on the Nigerian government indicate that the current president serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources. This begs the question: is there no trusted individual who could hold this office, reporting to the presidency to avoid scrutiny? There are further allegations that the president is the majority shareholder in the Oando conglomerate. If these allegations are true, does this not bring into question issues of conflict of interest and impartiality when making decisions regarding the management and utilization of the country’s most valuable resources?
South Africa, similarly lacks judgment in dealing effectively with the struggling majority and the degeneration of the economy. Instead, efforts are made on all fronts to undermine governance. Recent reports reflect no less than 28 banks facing prosecution for colluding with the USD to devalue the SA Rand, this conspiracy has involved all major South African banks plus international ones. This seems tantamount to treason and shows the intense efforts made to ensure the collapse of this nation by the private sector. Add to this, the last two presidents (currently presiding president Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the former president Jacob Zuma) spent a significant amount of their time in office defending their interests against legal prosecution alluding to fraud and corruption for personal gain instead of reporting on progressive national and economic issues. These are clear indicators that the interests of our leaders are personal and not for the people they lead or their growth.
The prevailing corrupt climate creates a perfect storm for the ever-increasing tensions between the South African and Nigerian people who are not privy to the shenanigans taking place within the corridors of power. They are blind to being puppets used to deliberately create instability and chaos. Fuelling conversation over inconsequential matters such as criminalizing fellow Africans keeps the people’s attention off the real imminent threats in government which directly affect their livelihood. Urgent matters of state that if addressed would ensure long-term stability and prosperity remain unseen and unacknowledged.
Nigeria as well as South Africa must address the root cause of their struggles to move forward and build more stable and all-inclusive societies. A mind shift of unparalleled proportions is required of citizens. This would show that we have more in common than differences and we are not each other’s enemies, but corrupt government is. Thus driving a desire to hold those entrusted with such power accountable and galvanize citizens into action rather than the current state of complacency. In conclusion, both governments and its people would benefit from working together to address these challenges and find lasting solutions as the two most powerful countries on the continent. They are expected to focus on building bridges and fostering greater cooperation for a more prosperous and peaceful future for all Africans. These struggles are not impossible to overcome and as such, I believe it is time for qualified experts to intervene in the growth process. Governments of both nations must invest in sufficiently skilled human capital of high integrity and emotional intelligence to navigate this challenge. This is a fundamental pillar in the quest for growth, peace, and unity on our continent.
Georginah Jacobs is a Columnist with Boardroom News thewritertherapist@gmail.com +27633454869
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